It was a warm Saturday in Athens on the seventh of September to kick off Sanford’s first of six home games this season. The Dawgs didn’t have much to worry about this weekend with Tennessee Tech being the visiting team. Yet, as Kirby Smart engrains in his players’ minds, there is never an opponent to be overlooked. Fans were out and barking early for the mid-afternoon kickoff. On the way over to the stadium around 9 a.m., tailgates were already up and thriving.

Walking in, it felt great to be back. As I peeped up to look at the jumbotron for the starting lineup, I watched as Trevor Etienne was announced the starting running back for the first time in his career since transferring to Georgia. Who had more noise though, was second-year-starter Carson Beck. Everyone is backing the projected first-rounder and leader of the offense. The opening battle hymn ran chills through the stadium.

In one of the least-anticipated home games, the crowd still showed up and made noise. Hearing the roar of the opening kickoff reminded us once again, college football is back. The noise never slowed down. All the way until the clock struck zero, when Tennessee Tech kicked their field goal, decibels climbed. Next up at home is rival Auburn, time TBD.

The freshmen presence was evident. Seeing the size of young Dawgs these days is incredible. Most notably, Jahzare Jackson, the 6’11” offensive tackle got some of his first offensive reps. Although he starts on the field goal unit for the Dawgs, it was mind-blowing seeing Jackson line up towering next to his teammates, who are by no means small. Even though he has a long way to go, committing a holding penalty while playing, Jackson will be a fun player to watch in the coming years.

It was nice to see Gunner Stockton back on the field. Around 11 minutes left in the third quarter, Carson Beck was replaced. Stockton went a nice 10-for-12 for 90 yards, setting up Branson Robinson’s rushing touchdown, his first since recovering from a ruptured patella tendon prior to the 2023 season. I asked Robinson what it meant to score a touchdown back in front of the fans at Sanford. He said, “It’s been a long time coming man… It just feels great. Great for the team…” This game provided valuable in-game time for Gunner Stockton, while also letting Carson Beck go ahead and think about next week’s road matchup. Georgia is now getting ready to travel 400 miles to Kroger Field, and we, at Bulldawg Illustrated, will see you all there!